Less than a month ago, he was celebrating receiving an honorary doctorate in Fashion from the Tshwane University ofTechnology (TUT). Just when the novelty of being a doctor, hadn't even worn off, he trends again on social media, but this time for all the wrong reasons.International fashion designer David Tlale is being accused of sexual misconduct and rape by a former employee.

THE ORDEAL

Sindile Zack Dudumashe says he worked for Dr. David Tlale as his Public Relations Officer when the rape incident allegedly took place.
"This name with ulterior motives got close to me at 21 years of age while working for AFI SA (Which is how we met). Forged a friendship. I was charmed and inspired by him. A role model to me at the time and to cut a long story short, he drugged and sexually abused me, he then exploited my skills during the pandemic,' Zack says.
"He would ask I write him pressers, sponsorship proposals, and other strategies, copy and promised to pay me, often in clothing but wouldn't actually.And when I reminded him, he'd get defensive and gaslight me.'
Zack says David later offered him a job as PR and Comms Manager at his most vulnerable.
"I think two weeks out of rehab, unemployed-he he played around my desperation for purpose, tricked me down exactly 66% (I calculated) less than what both he and I knew I was worth that the time, gaslight me and lied to make me believe he had bigger plans for me in his brand.'
Zack says David continued to use him and body shame him.
"Commented on my body and weight gains in the office during my most insecure days when I was literally gaining weight daily ?" a side effect of my depression medication. And then he tried so hard to crush my self-esteem and confidence.'

LEAVING THE COMPANY

?Zack says he left David's company after working for three months and swore that he would never to work in the fashion media industry again. "A passion and vocation of mine,' he says. "It took me almost two years to realise that I didn't deserve any of that,' he says. "To fully understand that it was in fact sexual assault, that I was taken advantage of and just how pure my intentions were.  Was young, and fragile. And since this realisation, I've been crying myself to an unhealthy sleeping routine and have  told no one, until my family this morning.'
Zack sat three years later, and for the first time, he shares his story.
"I don't want anyone to play me the world's smallest violin, victim mentality is not in my nature. I guess solely me transcending past this and basically saying F%ck so much David Tlale. You're a rapist! A couch caster and over a narcissist.'

OTHER COMPLAINTS?

This is not the first time, David is making headlines for the wrong reasons. In 2017 when he hosted The Intern by David Tlale, a 13-episode reality TV show for 12 upcoming fashion designers whom he groomed. He was accused by Lesotho-born designer Kwena Moshoeshoe of exploitation.
Kwena, who was meant to walk off with a Mercedes-Benz CLA, the title of David's assistant designer for one year, R200 000 cash, and a design studio with equipment worth R250 000, spoke up about not receiving any of the prizes and the R3000 stipend they were supposed to receive monthly. But instead, they suffered without food or toiletries. The intern stated that some of his designs were used by David at a Paris fashion show without compensation.

DAVID DENIES THE ALLEGATIONS?

David has since released a statement denying all allegations.
"These allegations are categorically false and only seek to cause me serious harm and also seek to undermine the lived experiences of those who are really victims of sexual assault of any nature,' he says.
"While I consult with my internal team of experts on this matter. This shall be the first and only comment on this issue until I am advised otherwise'
Speaking to Zimoja, David says, that information couldn't be far from the truth and that he is dealing with the matter legally.
"It is all lies. My team and I are dealing with the matter legally."